Are you a lover of skype? Do you fancy it or you've been longing to improve your skype application. Here is a good news for you. I make both audio and video calls on skype and it has been fantastic using the application, but most times i wish i could increase the quality more and here comes the ways you can improve it.
Since 2003, Skype, a software application that uses the Voice Over Internet Protocol technology, has become a popular mode of bridging distances and connecting people and businesses.Source: Punch
It enables users from around the world to make and receive video and voice calls, enjoy the benefits of instant messaging and file sharing with anyone else on the Skype platform for free.
Skype international conference calls also go for free. However, calls to mobile and landlines worldwide attract inexpensive rates.
The application, which allows users to communicate with other people by voice and video using a microphone and webcam respectively, over the Internet, has over 663 million registered users.
It is worthy of note that Skype has, over the years, put pressure on telecommunication firms around the world. On January 21, Skype says it recorded more than 50 million concurrent users online.
A research from TeleGeography, a telecom market analysis firm, indicates that worldwide Skype usage is now equivalent to over one-third of all international phone traffic.
Skype, which is available in over 29 languages, was on May 10, 2011 acquired by Microsoft Corporation. With the completion of the acquisition, Microsoft now favours Skype over its long-standing Windows Live Messenger.
Microsoft is now moving users of its Windows Live Messenger to Skype, the transition is expected to be completed by April 30.
But, as more people around the world gravitate to Skype, one challenge users often complain about is the quality of voice and video calls. This may be due to a number of reasons.
Many people have complained of encountering strange noises, echoes, hazzy, interrupted, shaky and broken video calls. Sometimes users say they experience delay in receiving audio sound and can barely hear or see the person at the other end.
If you find yourself in this situation, in all likelihood, this is a problem you can solve on your own. Here are a few tips you should consider to enjoy an amazing experience on Skype platform.
Use latest application
Download the latest version of Skype application as each new version builds upon the previous ones leading to improved quality.
Besides, endeavour to check if your computer drivers are the most recent and up-to-date versions, if not, get them updated because old drivers may not be compatible with new software thereby affecting the quality of its use.
Don’t overload Internet connection
One of the major reasons why many users experience low quality calls on Skype has got to do with over-stretching of their Internet connection.
Downloading heavy files such as videos, movies, games, in the background will leave less bandwith available for Skype thus telling greatly on call quality. Pausing all unnecessary downloads and live-streaming will go a long way in improving the call quality.
Use a headset
A good sound quality can be experienced with the use of a headset, which has a built in microphone, other than the computer’s external speakers and microphone when conducting a conversation on Skype.
A headset for both parties will go a long way in eliminating background noises and echoes. However, such headset should be compatible with Skype.
After using a headset and your voice quality is also poor, verify that you are using the correct microphone as your laptop’s built-in microphone might be picking up sound instead of your installed headset.
To resolve this, open Skype and go to the “Tools” menu. Select “Options” and click on “Audio Settings” and make sure the proper microphone was selected.
After you can safely predict the quality of your Skype calls by checking your Internet connection before you make the call. You should also take into cognisance your computer’s volume settings by ensuring that it is set loud enough to improve your Skype call quality.
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